Magic Johnson gave Bronny James NBA ultimatum that has paid off for LA Lakers
NBA legend Magic Johnson once gave Bronny James an ultimatum regarding his basketball career and it massively paid off.
Given the fact that his dad is LeBron James, a man who is considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, the expectations for Bronny's future in the sport couldn't be higher.
Bronny stole the headlines in October after he and LeBron became the first father and son to play together in an NBA game as the Los Angeles Lakers lost 118-114 in the preseason to the Phoenix Suns.
However, basketball fans have been paying attention to his career long before his NBA record setting appearance, including legend of the sport Johnson, who once offered the youngster a wise bit of advice.
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And now, less than a year after Bronny came onto the court with his dad, Johnson's advice has massively paid off for the Lakers.
During an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel late night show, the NBA Hall of Famer spoke about Bronny ahead of his rookie year, suggesting he should instead play in the G League, or simply the G League, the developmental league of the NBA.
He said: “If I’m Bronny, I would tell my dad, ‘Just let me play in the G League all season so that I can develop.
“He needs playing time. He doesn’t need to be sitting on the Laker bench and not playing. That’s not a knock against him — he’s just not ready."
Although Bronny did go on to play in some of the Lakers' NBA matches, he eventually followed Johnson's advice and was assigned several times to the South Bay Lakers, and it was a fantastic decision.
In 11 G League appearances, the 20-year-old averaged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, while hitting 38.0% of his 8.4 three-point attempts per game.
And his performances didn't go unnoticed, as LA Lakers assistant coach Nate McMillan praised the young talent in a recent interview.
“I love Bronny,” McMillan said Tuesday on The Sports Shop with Reese and K-Mac.
“Great, great young man and, you know, we expect him to possibly get some minutes this year.”
Although next season wouldn't be the first time that Bronny played for the main Lakers roster, who he played with for 27 games last season, McMillan's comments could suggest he will play a more regular and meaningful role in 2025/26,
Topics: NBA, Lebron James, Basketball
Ben McCrum